Violent Video Games and Mental Health

[JackSparrow]

There have been a lot of studies on how playing violent video games affect the brain. Even though it is contested that there is any connection between violent games with aggression and empathy. However, a recent study has discovered that violent video games can desensitize the player to painful images. In other words, people playing violent games are insensitive to painful imagery.

In a study performed in Germany, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on people who played violent games and it was discovered their brains had reduced neutral response to violent stimuli. In the study, 56 students participated. The study was published in the Psychology of Popular Media.


Another study, performed at the University of New South Wales, also confirmed that people who often play violent games are less impacted by violent images.

[Arnold]

The violent game content can lead the players to mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, PSTD, ADHD, or even autism that is according to a report published in the National Library of Medicine. Interestingly, most of the research on this topic only involves adolescents and young people. There are not enough data to back up whether adults get affected by violent games.

[ZandraJoi]

I believe video games can contribute to a decrease in one's mental health. Most games are so life-like nowadays that people become desensitized to what's going on around them. They have a harder time grasping what's real & what's fake.

[Bizdustry]

I don't think Violent Video Games impacts mental health. Possibly, it will if you are under 18 where your brain and mental capacity is still growing, but as an adult it could actually have an adverse effect of "escapism". It really depends on the person in my opinion.